It's true. Mabari are half monstrous. But they are adorable bloody war machines to rain hellfire and destruction on the enemies of good, yes they are, yes they are. Okay, maybe he's gotten picked on a little for his poodle, but mabari, and mabari especially that bond with you? Kind of harder to come by than one might think looking around Skyhold.

"Pairing might work. It might backfire. It might be seen as our mages being kept on a short leash by their Templar masters." There's no good way around or through this. But to fight Templars, the expertise of Seekers and a fellow Templar are necessary. Although in some small ways, he's glad Aleron is here than Cassandra. She has enough to deal with. This isn't her fight. And if she finds out his connection...he isn't sure how she might take it. Aleron would at least react only mildly, as he reacts to nearly everything.

"The good will of the Inquisition will out itself. Soon enough, all of Thedas will hear of the work being done. The large and the small." He has to believe that. Has to hope, when his hope is at its lowest. "Even if all they think of the tales is that they are tales, said tales will spread. Among those who do not believe will be those who do. This started small. The stone is rolling down the mountain and is only gaining momentum."